Abstract: A laser and monitoring system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a laser, pulse shaper and detection device. A further aspect of the present invention employs a femtosecond laser and binary pulse shaping (BPS). Still another aspect of the present invention uses a laser beam pulse, a pulse shaper and a SHG crystal. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan (hereinafter “MIIPS”) method is used to characterize the spectral phase of femtosecond laser pulses and to correct them. A further aspect of the system of the present invention is employed to monitor environmental chemicals and biological agents, including toxins, explosives, and diseases.

Abstract: A laser and monitoring system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a laser, pulse shaper and detection device. A further aspect of the present invention employs a femtosecond laser and binary pulse shaping (BPS). Still another aspect of the present invention uses a laser beam pulse, a pulse shaper and a SHG crystal. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan (hereinafter “MIIPS”) method is used to characterize the spectral phase of femtosecond laser pulses and to correct them. A further aspect of the system of the present invention is employed to monitor environmental chemicals and biological agents, including toxins, explosives, and diseases.

Abstract: A laser system using ultrashort laser pulses is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a laser, pulse shaper and detection device. A further aspect of the present invention employs a femtosecond laser and a spectrometer. Still another aspect of the present invention uses a laser beam pulse, a pulse shaper and a SHG crystal. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan system and method characterize the spectral phase of femtosecond laser pulses. Fiber optic communication systems, photodynamic therapy and pulse characterization tests use the laser system with additional aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: Phase-change compounds, and optical storage recording media, for recording and/or storage of data, comprising such compounds, according to the formula XSbySz; wherein X is selected from the group consisting of K, Rb, Tl, Na, Li, Cs and mixtures thereof; and wherein y is about 1 or about 5, and z is about 1 or about B. Preferably, X is K, y is 5 and z is B. Also provided are optical recording media comprising a layer of the phase-change material and methods of creating a reversible phasechange by irradiating the material with a laser radiation.

Abstract: An improved nanomanipulation system is provided for performing nanomanipulation operations in relation to a sample surface. The system includes: an atomic force microscope having a probe for performing nanomanipulation operations on the sample surface, where the probe includes a cantilever having a layer of piezoelectric material; a position detector configured to ascertain deformation of the cantilever during a nanomanipulation operation; and an adaptable end effector controller adapted to receive data indicative of the deformation from the position detector and implements a control scheme based on the deformation data. The control scheme produces a control signal that is applied to the piezoelectric material of the cantilever, thereby maintaining the straight shape of the cantilever during the nanomanipulation operation.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing a nanodevice. The method includes: fabricating an electrode on a substrate; forming a nanogap across the electrode; dispersing a plurality of nanoobjects onto the substrate using electrophoresis; and pushing one of the nanoobjects onto the electrode using a tip of an atomic force microscope, such that the nanoobject lies across the nanogap formed in the electrode. In addition, remaining nanoobjects may also be pushed away from the electrode using the atomic force microscope, thereby completing construction of a nanodevice.

Abstract: An active micro-force sensor is provided for use on a micromanipulation device. The active micro-force sensor includes a cantilever structure having an actuator layer of piezoelectric material and a sensing layer of piezoelectric material bonded together. When an external force is exerted on the sensor, the sensor deforms and an applied force signal is recorded by the sensing layer. The applied force signal is then fed back to the actuating layer of the sensor via a servoed transfer function or servo controller, so that a counteracting deformation can be generated by the bending moment from the servoed actuating layer to quickly balance the deformation caused by the external micro-force.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence of the blueberry red ringspot virus is disclosed. Also disclosed are putative promoter regions of the sequence and promoter regions capable of directing transgene expression in plants, including tissue-specific expression. Also disclosed are expression vectors, transformed plant cells and plants containing a blueberry red ringspot virus promoter and an encoded product for expression. Methods for diagnosis of blueberry red ringspot virus infection are also provided.

Abstract: An automated nanomanipulation system is provided for manufacturing a nanoscale structure. The system includes: a design model for the nanoscale structure; image data of a sample surface upon which the nanoscale structure is to be manufactured; a movable member configured to perform a nanomanipulation operation on the sample surface; and a path planning subsystem adapted to receive the design model and the image data. The path planning subsystem generates path data indicative of a path for traversing the movable member along the sample surface such that the movable member manipulates one or more randomly distributed nanoobjects in accordance with the design model.

Abstract: Methods for the transformation of plants are provided. The methods of the present invention comprise the steps of a) contacting the meristematic tissue of a plant and an area of the plant below the contacted meristematic tissue to a power source, wherein the area below the meristematic tissue is contacted to a positive lead and the meristematic tissue is contacted with a DNA-containing medium which in turn is contacted with a negative lead, and b) applying low amperage current, thus causing the DNA to migrate from the DNA-containing medium into the cells of the meristematic tissue. The transformed plants may be grown to maturity. The mature plants may then self-pollinate and the seed from the plant harvested. Both the parent plant, seed from the parent plant, progeny plants and progeny seeds contain the introduced DNA.

Abstract: This application relates to a micro-fastening system and, more particularly, to a mechanical micro-fastening system employing a plurality of mating nanoscale fastening elements (16, 18) and a method of manufacturing a micro-fastening system. The mating nanoscale fastening elements (16, 18) are formed by functionalizing nanotubes having an ordered array of hexagons with pentagons and heptagons at particular heterojunctions.

Abstract: An improved microforce sensing system is provided. The microforce sensing system includes: a force sensor configured to detect a contact force exerted on a contact tip of the cantilever and operable to generate a signal indicative of the contact force, where the cantilever is constructed from a polyvinylidene fluoride material in the form of a substantially rectangular plate or other suitable shapes; and a processing circuit adapted to receive the signal from the force sensor and operable to determine the contact force exerted on the tip by integrating the signal from the force sensor.

Abstract: Novel lamellar mesoporous silica compositions which can contain functional inorganic elements and organic functional groups as part of the lamellar silica framework structure are described. The compositions are prepared using gemini amine surfactants as templates or structure directing agents. The compositions have novel high temperature and hydrothermal stability and unique fundamental particle structures.

Abstract: An automated dimensional inspection system is provided that modifies sensor planning based on real-time measurement feedback. The dimensional inspection system includes a sensor planner, an error map generator, and a sensor affixed to a movable member. The sensor planner is adapted to receive three dimensional design data for a workpiece to be measured and generate path data in part based on the dimensional design data for the workpiece, where the path data is indicative of a path for moving the sensor in relation to the surface of the workpiece. The error map generator is adapted to receive the dimensional design data and the three dimensional measurement data for the workpiece, and determine error data between the measurement data and the dimensional design data. Based on the error data, the sensor planner is able to further modify the path data for the sensor to increase the measurement accuracy.

Abstract: Graphite nanoplatelets of expanded graphite and composites and products produced therefrom are described. The preferred method of expanding the graphite is by microwaves or other radiofrequency wave treatment of intercalated graphite. The expanded graphite is preferably then crushed to nanometer (substantially all 200 microns or less). The expanded graphite is used in polymer composites. The expanded graphite is particularly useful for batteries, anodes and fuel cells.

Abstract: Graphite nanoplatelets of expanded graphite and composites and products produced therefrom are described. The preferred method of expanding the graphite is by microwaves or other radiofrequency wave treatment of intercalated graphite. The expanded graphite is preferably then crushed to nanometer (substantially all 200 microns or less). The expanded graphite is used in polymer composites. The expanded graphite is particularly useful for batteries, anodes and fuel cells.

Abstract: A local performance simulation system simulates an ensemble sound pattern. The simulation system includes a signal generation system for simultaneously generating contact recording signals based on vibrations from the ensemble, where the ensemble produces an ensemble sound pattern. A signal processing system channelizes the contact recording signals and generates final instrument signals based on the channelized contact recording signals. The simulation system further includes a reproduction system with dedicated loudspeaker systems for generating audible sound waves based on the final instrument signals, where the sound waves simulate the ensemble sound pattern. Contact recording the vibrations and channelizing the contact recording signals eliminates all reverberation and reflection effects of the recording environment from the contact recording signals.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for performing nanomanipulations using an atomic force microscope. The method includes: performing a nanomanipulation operation on a sample surface using an atomic force microscope; determining force data for forces that are being applied to the tip of the cantilever during the nanomanipulation operation, where the force data is derived along at least two perpendicularly arranged axis; and updating a model which represents the topography of the sample surface using the force data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiplex RT-PCR/PCR method, which enables in a single assay the simultaneous detection of any combination of bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, Cryptosporidium parvum, and optionally, Escherichia coli strains producing K99 pili or heat-stable enterotoxin STa.

Abstract: A family of isostructural compounds have been prepared having the general formula AnPbmBinO2n+m. These compounds possess a NaCl lattice type structure as well as low thermal conductivity and controlled electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the electrical properties can be controlled by varying the values for n and m. These isostructural compounds can be used for semiconductor applications such as detectors, lasers and photovoltaic cells. These compounds also have enhanced thermoelectric properties making them excellent semiconductor materials for fabrication of thermoelectric devices.